Vitamin A Deficiency

The Causes of a Deficiency of Vitamin A

In the United States a deficiency of vitamin A is not common within the general population. However, it does exist in certain individuals with specific medical conditions or those that fall into certain subgroups of the population. These include:

• People that suffer from malabsorption due to medical conditions or disease such as:
  • Cystic fibrosis
  • Cirrhosis
  • Celiac disease
  • Sprue
  • Obstructive jaundice
• Malabsorption caused from the excessive use of mineral oil as a laxative
• People that excrete a massive amount of urine caused by certain diseases or illnesses including:
  • Cancer
  • Pneumonia
  • Tuberculosis
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Nephritis
• People suffering from malnutrition from a diet that is not adequate
• The elderly

People living in underdeveloped nations are at a much higher risk from the damage caused by a deficiency of vitamin A. It is believed that a deficiency of this vitamin is a concern and public health problem affecting mostly low income pregnant women and young children in over half the countries in the world, especially in South East Asia and Africa.

A Sad Statistic

In these countries it is estimated that there are more than 250 million children of preschool age suffering from a deficiency of vitamin A. It is there that a record number of children are experiencing blindness that could be prevented with proper nutrition. Of the estimated number of children that lose their sight each year, which is between 250,000 and 500,000, over half suffer a premature death within one year of becoming blind.

The Effects of a Deficiency of Vitamin A

Vitamin A, also known as retinol, plays many important roles in the healthy functioning of the human body. When a deficiency of this vitamin occurs, the effects are seen throughout the body especially regarding vision and the ability to fight infection. Other effects that a deficiency of vitamin A has on the body include:

• Embryonic cell development and division
• A weakened immune system
• Damage and weakening of the epithelial cells leaving the skin scaly and dry
• Mucus membranes become dry and mucus secretion slows or stops
• Bone growth may slow or phones may grow malformed
• Infertility may occur

Vision

A deficiency of vitamin A results in vision problems that range from dry eye, known as xerophtalmia, to complete blindness. Generally, the first sign of a deficiency of vitamin A is a problem with vision.

Infections

Vitamin A is often said to be an anti-infective vitamin because in order for the immune system to function normally it must be present. When a deficiency of this vitamin exists the body is unable to fight infections successfully. In underdeveloped nations where vitamin A deficiency is prevalent among children, death and disease often result from severe infections caused from common childhood illnesses such as measles and diarrhea.

Vitamin A: The Symptoms of Deficiency

The symptoms of a deficiency of vitamin A include:

• Bitot’s spots - small deposits on the conjunctiva of the eye
• Reduced vision at night or in reduced, dull light
• The inability of the eyes to adapt to darkness - known as nyctalopia
• Night blindness
• Xerophtalmia - dry eyes
• Impaired immune system
• Inflamation of the eyes
• Inflamation of the cornea
• Perforation of the cornea
• Blindness
• Anemia
• Dry mucous membranes
• Slowing or stopping of mucous production
• Dry skin
• Rough, scaly skin
• Dry, brittle hair
• Broken, brittle fingernails
• Growth retardation in children
• Increased susceptibility to urinary tract infection
• Increased susceptibility of respiratory infection

To view the Recommended Dietary Allowance, or RDA, of vitamin A go here.

Conclusion

Although a vitamin A deficiency is rare in the United States, the effects worldwide are a devastating problem. The effects could be significantly reduced with a diet that supplies the necessary amounts of vitamin A.